Christmas came early this year for 50 West Hawaii keiki during a “Shop With a Cop” event held Saturday, Dec. 14, in Kona, as the Hawaii Police Department teamed up with Catholic Charities, Kona Walmart and federal and state law enforcement agencies to provide a fun shopping experience for keiki.
Christmas came early this year for 50 West Hawaii keiki during a “Shop With a Cop” event held Saturday, Dec. 14, in Kona, as the Hawaii Police Department teamed up with Catholic Charities, Kona Walmart and federal and state law enforcement agencies to provide a fun shopping experience for keiki.
“Shop With a Cop” originated on island in Kona more than 30 years, with the HPD and Catholic Charities partnering with Kmart to provide at-risk and underprivileged youth an opportunity to buy gifts at Christmas. When the Kona Kmart closed, the event continued uninterrupted at Target until 2023, when Walmart started hosting the annual event in Kona.
“This is about bridging the gap with kids in the community,” said Erin Basque of Catholic Charities, as she addressed the group of over 30 law enforcement officers from the HPD, State Sheriff’s Department, Department of Land and Natural Resources/DOCARE, along with National Park Service rangers and the Hawaii Air National Guard.
Keiki were preselected by Catholic Charities and given $100 gift card to spend, then paired with law enforcement officers. Some were shopping for themselves, while others were buying gifts for family members.
After the shopping was complete, keiki could have their newly purchased gifts wrapped by volunteers and were treated to a McDonald’s Happy Meal breakfast. They also got to visit with Santa.
“It’s really something special when you see these kids interact with the officers as they pick out that special gift for themselves or their family members,” said Barbara Kossow of Kids Matter–Friends of the Justice Center of West Hawaii, a group that helps fund the event. “This never gets old.”
Franz Weber, also with Kids Matter, said the event shows kids that, “the police are here to help you. It’s mind-blowing how the officers are so personally engaged. They see the need and want to help.”
